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ID #SA1195859
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£1,850
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Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
for sale €2,165     $2,350
£1,850
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2020
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Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854

19th century
Description

An original and highly desirable Model 1851 Adams solid-frame percussion revolver, retailed by Deane, Adams & Deane of 30 King William Street, London Bridge, the principal early commercial partners of Robert Adams and among the most important London firms associated with the development and promotion of the Adams revolver system.

This example is of the scarcer large-bore form, described in period British terminology as .38 bore (approximately .50 calibre by modern measurement). It retains the characteristic robust solid frame, five-shot cylinder with safety pins between the nipples, and a rifled barrel, all engineered to withstand the powerful double-action-only mechanism for which the early Adams revolvers were renowned.

The barrel is crisply engraved:

“DEANE ADAMS & DEANE

30 KING WILLIAM ST

LONDON BRIDGE”

confirming London retail during the early 1850s. The cylinder is clearly stamped “No. 4980” with an accompanying inspection letter, consistent with original workshop numbering. The revolver is a true Model 1851 Adams, correctly predating the Beaumont-Adams improvement of 1856, and shows no evidence of later conversion.

The revolver retains its original one-piece chequered walnut grip, well-shaped and undamaged, showing only natural handling wear consistent with age. Metal surfaces display an attractive, untouched patina with light commercial scroll engraving to the frame and butt cap. Correct London commercial proof marks are present and appropriate for the period.

Historical Context

The Model 1851 Adams revolver represents Britain’s first truly successful solid-frame service revolver and a decisive departure from earlier Colt-type open-frame designs. During the Crimean War period (1853–1856), Adams revolvers were widely carried by British officers through private purchase, valued for their strength, reliability, and formidable stopping power. Early large-bore examples retailed by Deane, Adams & Deane are notably scarcer than later Beaumont-Adams models and are increasingly sought after by collectors of early British percussion revolvers.

Condition

Good original condition throughout; action operational; cylinder indexes correctly; grip sound; honest age-related wear; no modern restoration or refinishing.

Calibre .38 bore (approx. .50 calibre)

Barrel length : 7"/18cm

Overall length : 34cm

A strong, original, collector-grade example of the classic Model 1851 Adams revolver, correctly identified, London-proved, and retailed by one of the most important firms associated with early Adams production.

Declaration

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this Adams Percussion Revolver 1851 to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1195859
Dealers Internal Reference
P01
Dealers Notes

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria, Portobello Road

WE are open every Saturday between 9.30 - 3.30pm in Chelsea Galleries 67 Portobello Road London.

We are at the front of the gallery, on the 1st aisle.

Web page:-

https://peterharrisclocks.com/welcome/

Description
An original and highly desirable Model 1851 Adams solid-frame percussion revolver, retailed by Deane, Adams & Deane of 30 King William Street, London Bridge, the principal early commercial partners of Robert Adams and among the most important London firms associated with the development and promotion of the Adams revolver system.
fig 1. A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip.
fig 1. Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854

This example is of the scarcer large-bore form, described in period British terminology as .38 bore (approximately .50 calibre by modern measurement). It retains the characteristic robust solid frame, five-shot cylinder with safety pins between the nipples, and a rifled barrel, all engineered to withstand the powerful double-action-only mechanism for which the early Adams revolvers were renowned.

fig 2. A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip.
fig 2. Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854

The barrel is crisply engraved:

“DEANE ADAMS & DEANE

30 KING WILLIAM ST

LONDON BRIDGE”

confirming London retail during the early 1850s. The cylinder is clearly stamped “No. 4980” with an accompanying inspection letter, consistent with original workshop numbering.

“
The revolver is a true Model 1851 Adams, correctly predating the Beaumont-Adams improvement of 1856, and shows no evidence of later conversion.
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
fig 3. A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip.
fig 3. Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854

The revolver retains its original one-piece chequered walnut grip, well-shaped and undamaged, showing only natural handling wear consistent with age. Metal surfaces display an attractive, untouched patina with light commercial scroll engraving to the frame and butt cap. Correct London commercial proof marks are present and appropriate for the period.

fig 4. A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip.
fig 4. Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854

Historical Context

The Model 1851 Adams revolver represents Britain’s first truly successful solid-frame service revolver and a decisive departure from earlier Colt-type open-frame designs. During the Crimean War period (1853–1856), Adams revolvers were widely carried by British officers through private purchase, valued for their strength, reliability, and formidable stopping power. Early large-bore examples retailed by Deane, Adams & Deane are notably scarcer than later Beaumont-Adams models and are increasingly sought after by collectors of early British percussion revolvers.

fig 5. A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip.
fig 5. Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854

Condition

Good original condition throughout; action operational; cylinder indexes correctly; grip sound; honest age-related wear; no modern restoration or refinishing.

Calibre .38 bore (approx. .50 calibre)

fig 6. A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip.
fig 6. Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854

Barrel length : 7"/18cm

Overall length : 34cm

A strong, original, collector-grade example of the classic Model 1851 Adams revolver, correctly identified, London-proved, and retailed by one of the most important firms associated with early Adams production.

Date of Manufacture

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this Adams Percussion Revolver 1851 to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1195859
Dealers Internal Ref
P01
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2020

We specialise in flintlock pistols, muskets, clocks & watches

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria Profile Page

Relevant Links
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SAVE
A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip.
1 / 30
Archive I A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip.

Rare Adams Large-Bore Model 1851 Solid-Frame Percussion RevolverBy Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London BridgeEngland, circa 1851–1854

Archive II A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View II
Archive III A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View III
Archive IV A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View IV
Archive V A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View V
Archive VI A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View VI
Archive VII A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View VII
Archive VIII A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View VIII
Archive IX A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View IX
Archive X A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View X
Archive XI A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XI
Archive XII A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XII
Archive XIII A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XIII
Archive XIV A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XIV
Archive XV A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XV
Archive XVI A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XVI
Archive XVII A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XVII
Archive XVIII A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XVIII
Archive XIX A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XIX
Archive XX A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XX
Archive XXI A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XXI
Archive XXII A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XXII
Archive XXIII A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XXIII
Archive XXIV A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XXIV
Archive XXV A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XXV
Archive XXVI A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XXVI
Archive XXVII A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XXVII
Archive XXVIII A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XXVIII
Archive XXIX A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XXIX
Archive XXX A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip. View XXX
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Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Telephone 07930 536818
Location
London
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/peterharrisclocks
Verified Since Nov 2020
Items For Sale 96
Items Sold 108
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Verified Since Nov 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/peterharrisclocks
Verified
Nov 2020
For Sale
96
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A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip.
Rare Adams Large-Bore Model 1851 Solid-Frame Percussion RevolverBy Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London BridgeEngland, circa 1851–1854
Ref: SA1195859
A mid-nineteenth-century British Adams Model 1851 percussion revolver featuring a long steel octagonal barrel, a five-shot cylinder, and a chequered dark wooden grip.
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FAQs

The Adams Model 1851 is a double-action cap-and-ball firearm designed by Robert Adams, notable for having its frame and barrel forged as a single solid piece of steel.

These handguns were primarily constructed from forged steel for the barrel, frame, and cylinder, fitted with hand-chequered walnut grips.

Authentic period examples feature British proof marks on the cylinder and barrel, maker or distributor engravings along the top strap or frame, and solid-frame construction.

An antique revolver can be mounted within a bespoke glass shadow box or displayed on a custom stand inside a library bookcase or study alcove.

To prevent oxidisation, the metalwork should be regularly treated with a microcrystalline wax or specialized oil and kept in a stable, low-humidity environment.
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